Page 9 - ACT Paws and Hooves - Spring 2025
P. 9
RESEARCH
EQUINE
CARE
Advancing equine Rose’s road
CT at the RVC to recovery
The RVC Equine Referral Hospital recently acquired Combining CT with contrast agents allows early This revolutionary CT, which allows horses to be
and installed a cutting-edge Qalibra CT scanner, detection of issues like cartilage defects associated with scanned while standing under sedation, is already
significantly enhancing our ability to diagnose and osteoarthritis, enabling timely intervention and better making a profound impact on patient care at the RVC
treat equine conditions. This advanced technology outcomes for treatment. Equine Referral Hospital. Rose, a 15-year-old
benefits not only our patients but also veterinary The new CT system will also enrich the education of our warmblood mare, is a shining example of how this
education, training and research. students. Residents (veterinary specialists-in-training) and innovation is improving outcomes for horses.
interns can gain hands-on experience with more cases,
Unlike traditional systems, this scanner enables horses while veterinary students benefit from detailed 3D imaging Rose presented at RVC Equine following a sudden onset
to remain standing during the scanning of their limbs, to deepen their understanding of anatomy and disease of lameness in her left forelimb, which had persisted for
head and neck. This allows horses to be sedated processes. Historically rare, limb CTs will become more three weeks after landing from a jump. Manual examination
instead of fully anaesthetised, significantly reducing routine, expanding our knowledge of equine health. revealed sensitivity around key ligaments, but traditional
the risks associated with anaesthesia. As a result, This remarkable advancement was made possible thanks diagnostic tools – such as X-rays and ultrasound – failed
the RVC can now provide swift, accurate diagnoses to donations from trusts and legacies to the RVC Animal to provide a clear cause for her discomfort. Consequently,
with greater safety for the horse. Care Trust, as well as a generous historical legacy from further investigation was needed.
The CT’s larger bore diameter enables the Paul Mellon. Thanks to this support, we are advancing This is where the Qalibra CT scanner proved
scanning of areas previously inaccessible, such as equine healthcare and education for the future. invaluable. By using contrast-enhanced imaging, the
the pelvis, sacroiliac joints, shoulders, and the Find out how you can make a difference by leaving scan identified two key findings: an active injury in the
cervicothoracic junction. a gift in your will on page 15. straight sesamoidean ligament and a suspected synovial
mass within the navicular bursa – conditions that were
Conditions like sacroiliac joint disease (pelvis), once
challenging to diagnose with older methods, such as Examining the scan on screen previously undetectable with conventional imaging.
scintigraphy and ultrasound, can now be identified with Thanks to these precise insights, the equine team has
greater precision. The scanner also provides exceptional been able to provide Rose a tailored rehabilitation
soft tissue detail, making it invaluable for diagnosing programme incorporating Class IV laser therapy, Rose
tendon and ligament injuries. significantly improving her chances of recovery.
Freddie Dash, Lecturer in Equine Diagnostic Imaging,
The Qalibra CT scanner explained: “Rose’s case is a perfect example of how CT Freddie Dash, Lecturer in Equine Diagnostic
technology is advancing equine care. By providing rapid, Imaging, explained:
high-resolution images of both bone and soft tissue, the
scanner enables precise diagnoses and more effective Rose's case is a perfect
treatment plans. In complex cases, where conventional
imaging falls short, CT has proven invaluable in guiding example of how equine
Horse having its leg scanned clinical decisions thanks to its power in imaging a large
area of anatomy quickly.’’ CT technology is advancing
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are now equine care. By providing
at the forefront of equine imaging, ensuring that horses
like Rose receive the best possible care. rapid, high-resolution
Your support continues to make groundbreaking images of both bone and
advancements in equine medicine possible.
soft tissue, the scanner
enables precise diagnoses
and more effective
treatment plans.
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